Are you an artist looking to expand your reach and generate more income? Creating prints of your artwork is a great way to do just that. With the right strategies, you can make your art accessible to a wider audience, build your brand, and create a steady stream of revenue. Here are the full instructions on how to make prints of your artwork!
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What Are the Advantages of Creating Art Prints?
Creating art prints is a practical way to share your artwork with a larger audience while building a sustainable business. This strategy offers several benefits that can elevate your career as an artist, such as:
Consistent Revenue Stream
Unlike original works, prints can be reproduced multiple times, meaning you’re not limited to selling just one piece. With digital technology, creating high-quality prints has become more accessible and affordable, allowing you to create a consistent flow of income while focusing on your next masterpiece.
For example, consider an artist selling an original piece for $500. By creating prints of that same artwork at $30 each, you could sell 50 prints and generate $1,500, which is tripling your revenue from a single artwork!
Brand Expansion
By offering more affordable options, you make your art accessible to a larger audience. This helps grow your brand and allows more people to connect with your work, fostering a loyal following.
Think about artists like Van Gogh or Monet. Their works have been widely reproduced and are instantly recognizable worldwide. While you might not achieve their level of fame overnight, creating prints is a step toward establishing your own brand identity in the art world.
Reasonably Priced Art Selections
Not everyone can afford original artwork, but many people still want to own beautiful pieces to decorate their homes or offices. Art prints provide a budget-friendly option for art lovers who admire your style but can’t invest in one-of-a-kind pieces.
For instance, offering prints in various price ranges, such as $20 for small pieces and $100 for limited edition prints, ensures there’s something for everyone. This inclusive pricing strategy caters to diverse customer segments without compromising the perceived value of your art.
Variability In Sizes And Formats
With prints, you’re not confined to one size or medium. You can offer your artwork in various sizes, such as 8×10, 16×20, or even large-scale posters. Additionally, you can experiment with different formats, like canvas prints, framed prints, or even digital downloads.
This flexibility makes it easier to cater to the specific needs and preferences of your audience. For example, a college student might prefer a small, unframed print for their dorm room, while a professional may opt for a large, gallery-quality piece for their office.
Risk Reduction
Unlike original art, which requires significant time and materials upfront, prints are less risky to produce. With print-on-demand services, you don’t even need to hold inventory. You can upload your designs and only produce a print when a customer places an order.
This eliminates the financial risk of creating large batches of prints that may not sell. Plus, it gives you the freedom to test new designs without major commitments. If one print doesn’t resonate with your audience, you can easily pivot to another without incurring heavy losses.
How to Make Prints of Your Artwork?
If you’re ready to turn your artwork into prints, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
#1 Digitize Your Art
The foundation of a great print starts with a high-quality digital version of your artwork. This step captures the intricate details, textures, and colors that define your piece. Use tools such as:
- High-Resolution Scanner: Ideal for flat artworks like sketches, watercolors, or digital paintings. Choose a scanner with a resolution of 600 DPI or higher to ensure every detail is preserved.
- Professional Camera: For textured or larger works like acrylic or oil paintings, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is best. Use soft, natural lighting or a lightbox setup to minimize shadows and distortions.
Pro Tip: For large pieces that can’t fit into a standard scanner, consider stitching multiple scans or photos together using editing software like Photoshop.
#2 Prepare Your File For Printing
Once your artwork is digitized, the next step is preparing it for reproduction. Proper file preparation ensures the final print stays true to your original vision. Follow these steps:
- Editing and Cleanup: Use photo editing tools to adjust color balance, remove blemishes, and enhance contrast. Calibration with a color-accurate monitor can help maintain fidelity.
- Set Dimensions: Resize your file to match the print sizes you intend to offer. Include a bleed margin (typically 1/8 inch) to prevent unwanted cropping during printing.
- Export in High-Quality Formats: Save your file as a TIFF or PNG for optimal quality. Avoid JPEGs, as they compress the image and can compromise sharpness.
#3 Selecting The Right Printing Method
The choice of printing method can dramatically affect the look, feel, and cost of your prints. Some primary methods to consider include giclée printing, offset printing, screen printing, lithography, and digital printing.
Advice for beginners: For newbies or small runs, giclée is often the better choice. It provides premium quality and flexibility, allowing you to test the market without committing to large print runs.
#4 Choose The Material
The material you select will influence the texture, color vibrancy, and overall appeal of your prints. Consider these popular options:
- Fine Art Paper: Perfect for reproducing delicate watercolors or sketches. Its subtle texture enhances a natural, timeless feel.
- Canvas: A durable option for bold and textured works, often used to replicate oil paintings.
- Metallic Paper: Adds a unique sheen to modern or abstract designs, making colors pop in a striking way.
Pro Tip: Offer your designs on multiple materials to cater to varying customer preferences.
#5 Choose a Print-On-Demand Supplier
If managing inventory or handling logistics feels overwhelming, print-on-demand (POD) services are a game-changer. These platforms allow you to upload your designs, and they handle the printing, packaging, and shipping. Top options include:
| Platform | Best For | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | High-quality art prints | Integration with major e-commerce platforms; wide range of materials and sizes | Premium pricing; no upfront costs |
| Printify | Budget-friendly options | Large network of print providers; flexibility in pricing and materials | Free to use; pay per order |
| Society6 | Reaching art enthusiasts | Built-in marketplace; additional product categories like home decor | Marketplace fee included |
Pro Tip: Order samples from each supplier to compare print quality and ensure it meets your standards.
#6 Packaging and Presenting Your Prints
Presentation is key to elevating your brand and creating a memorable customer experience. Here’s how to make your packaging stand out:
- Protective Packaging: Use acid-free sleeves to prevent damage and sturdy cardboard mailers to ensure prints arrive intact.
- Branded Touches: Add custom stickers, branded tissue paper, or a thank-you card for a personal touch.
- Certificates of Authenticity: For limited edition prints, include a numbered certificate to emphasize exclusivity and value.
For example, if you sell a giclée print of a limited-edition piece, include a handwritten thank-you note that shares a brief story about the artwork. Customers love knowing the story behind their purchase, and this connection can foster loyalty.
How Should You Price Your Prints?
Pricing your art prints involves balancing the value of your work with market expectations, production costs, and your desired profit margin. Below are key factors to consider when determining the price of your prints, along with cost statistics for more accurate pricing.
| Factor | Explanation | Typical Cost Statistics | Impact on Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Costs | Material, printing, shipping, and packaging costs. | $5–$50 per print (depending on size, materials, and method) | Must cover these costs before profit. |
| Time and Effort | Time spent on digitizing, editing, and preparing the artwork for print. | Variable, but consider the time spent preparing the artwork and coordinating with suppliers. | Adds value, justifying a higher price. |
| Market Research | Comparing prices from similar artists in your niche and region. | Open Edition Prints: $20–$75; Limited Edition Prints: $50–$300+ | Helps you find a competitive price range. |
| Perceived Value | The exclusivity or uniqueness of the print, such as limited editions. | Limited Editions: $100–$500+ | Limited edition prints often fetch higher prices. |
| Audience Demographics | Who is buying your prints, and what is their budget? | Budget: $20–$50; Mid-Range: $50–$150; Premium: $150–$500+ | Sets the price range based on your audience. |
In total, producing and shipping an art print can cost between $9 and $63, depending on the size, materials, and shipping method.
How to Make the Most of Your Prints?
If you want to turn your art prints into a successful business, it’s important to think beyond just creating the prints. There are several key strategies that can help you make the most of your prints and boost your sales:
#1 Build a Strong Brand Identity
Your art prints are a reflection of you, and how you present yourself to your audience can have a huge impact on your success.
To start, think about the message you want to convey. What do your prints say about you as an artist? Are they bold and modern or soft and timeless? Whatever the vibe, make sure it shines through consistently across all of your platforms, from your website to your social media.
Branding goes beyond just your artwork. Your logo, your color palette, and the tone of your messaging should all work together to create a cohesive look and feel.
This sense of unity helps people recognize your work and builds trust, which ultimately encourages them to purchase your prints. Over time, a strong, recognizable brand will make it easier for you to connect with your audience and turn casual followers into loyal customers.
#2 Using Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer an incredible opportunity to connect with potential buyers and showcase your prints.
Start by posting high-quality images of your artwork. But don’t just stop at the finished product share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, from sketches to the final print. This type of content humanizes your brand and creates a deeper connection with your audience.
Additionally, engage with your followers. Respond to comments, share user-generated content (like customers posting photos of your prints in their homes), and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Collaborating with influencers or fellow artists can also help expand your reach.
#3 Optimize Your Online Store
Your online store is your digital storefront, so it’s crucial that it’s optimized for a seamless customer experience.
Start by making sure your website is easy to navigate. Organize your prints into clear categories based on size, style, or even price range, so that visitors can find what they’re looking for quickly. High-quality images and detailed product descriptions are essential.
The more information you provide, like print sizes, materials, and framing options, the easier it will be for customers to make an informed decision.
Don’t forget about the checkout process. Make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Offering multiple payment options, like credit cards and PayPal, and making sure the shipping process is simple, will go a long way in improving the overall shopping experience.
#4 Sell Digital Products of Your Artwork on Etsy
Selling digital downloads allows customers to purchase your artwork instantly and print it at home. This expands your audience by catering to those who might not be able to afford the cost of a physical print or prefer the flexibility of printing on their own.
Plus, digital downloads are low-cost to produce, which means you can earn passive income without the need to worry about shipping or inventory.
Etsy is especially great for artists because it’s a marketplace built specifically for creative entrepreneurs. With its built-in audience of art lovers, you can easily get exposure to people who are actively seeking unique pieces to buy. It’s an excellent way to diversify your income and expand your customer base.
>>> Read more: 30 Best Digital Products to Sell on Etsy: A Profitable Suggestion
#5 Participate in Art Shows and Markets
While online sales are essential, participating in local art shows and markets is a fantastic way to build connections and expand your reach in person.
These events offer a chance for you to showcase your prints directly to your community and engage with potential buyers face-to-face. Not only does this increase your visibility, but it also helps you establish a personal connection with customers, which can lead to more loyal followers.
Art shows and markets are also great opportunities to network with other artists and creatives. You can learn from others, find new inspiration, and even collaborate on projects. Even if you don’t make a sale at every event, the exposure and connections you gain are priceless in building your brand.
#6 Run Paid Ad Campaigns
Using Facebook Ads, TikTok Ads, and Google Ads allows you to target specific demographics based on factors like age, location, interests, and online behavior. This ensures that your ads are reaching the right audience, those who are most likely to purchase your prints.
You can run ads for new collections, seasonal promotions, or even specific print designs that are getting a lot of attention. The key to success with paid ads is making sure your visuals are eye-catching and that your call-to-action is clear and compelling.
Wrap Up
Above, I gave you a detailed guide on how to turn your artwork into profitable prints. By following these steps, you can expand your reach, reduce financial risks, and build a sustainable art business. With the right tools and strategies, you’re well on your way to earning big profits from your art!
